Textile bobbin and method for producing the same



June 26, 1945. H. AMRHEIN ETAL 2,378,901

TEXTILE BOBBIN AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME Filed Aug. 27, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 26,1945; l H. L. AMRHEN HAL 2,378,901

TEXTILE BOBBIN AND METHOD FOR PRODUGING THE SAME Filed Aug. 2 7, 1943 5 Shee'tS-Sheet 2 June 26, 1945. H. L. AMRHEIN ET Al. 2,378,901

TEXTILE BOBBIN AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME `Filed Aug. 27, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 `rigidly secured thereto.

Patented June 26, 1945;"

UNITED [STATES- PATENT clsica TEXTILE BoBBIN AND Mm'non Fon raonUcrNG 'rnn SAME l Harald LfAmrhein and Emil E. Fuller, Woonsocket, It. I., assignors to American Paper Tube Company, Woonsocket, R. I., a corporation of -Bhode Island Application August 27, 1943, Serial No. 500,224

v11 claims. (c1. 242-122) This invention'relates to improvements in bobbins or yarn-supporting cores for use in the shuttles of looms and to a method -of producing the same.

One object of the invention is to provide a lightweight bobbin or yarn-support of simple construction having a smooth exterior surface, not

subject to splitting, splintering' or vbecoming dented or roughened and more durable in use than the common wooden bobbins previously employed in loom-shuttles. q Another object of the invention is to provide a bobbin of the type indicated comprising a paper or ber tubular barrel and a molded plastic head Another object' of the invention is to provide a bobbin of the type'indicated in which the plastic head is accurately positioned concentrically` of the barrel to prevent relative eccentricity therebetween. I Y y Another object of the invention is to provide a. bobbin of the type indicated in which the expandedend of the barrel is embedded in the plastic material formingthe head to secure the parts against relative rotary or longitudinal movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bobbin of the type indicated having circumferentialholding rings embedded in the material of its head to secure them in place and prevent them from becoming loosened or displaced thereon.

Fig. 3 is a part-sectional view otra bobbin having a conical base or head molded around the end of a paper or ber tube or barrel;

Fig. 4 is a part-sectional view of a bobbin or quill provided with a small head or ange molded on its end;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective'view-of the end of the paper or liber tube or barrel showing its terminal portion -flared ror expanded outwardly inv a, tapering ilange adapted to be embedded in the pastic material forming the head,-

and also illustrating the ange as split or slitte'd to provide openings for receiving the plastic material to insure a secure bond between the tube and head;

-Fig.`6 is an enlarged part-sectional'view or the end ofa bobbin provided with a plastic head and 'a series of individual holding rings iot; modified form of construction secured to the head;

2G Fig. 7 is a, view similar to Fig. 6 showing a further modifled-form'of construction of the bobbin in which the several holding rings are constructed integral with a sleeve molded in place on the head;

Fig. a isha viewsimilar-co Fig. 2 showing the Another object of the invention is to provide a. method for molding a plastic head on the barrel of a, bobbin While at the saine time securing1 the holding rings in place on the head.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of'molding a plastic head on the barrel of a bobbin which is simple to perform and produces improved bobbins at greatly reduced manufacturing cost.

Further objects of the invention are set forth '-in the lfollowing speclcation which describes several forms of construction of the improved bobbin and a method of producing the same, by Vway` of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. In the drawingsz Fig. 1 isa longitudinal view of a bobbin incorporating certain novel features of the present invention:

Fig. 2'is an enlarged axial sectional view of the end of the bobbin showing theV ared end of the tube embedded in the plastic material forming the head and also the holding rings molded in place on theperiphery of the head;

flared end of the tube or barrel perforated .to provide openings through which the plastic mav terial is flowed' to securely bond the head to the tube;

`Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view through an apparatus for molding plastic heads on the tubes or barrels of bobbins and applying-the holding rings thereto withI the parts ofthe 'apparatus shown as in the position assumed prior to the molding operation; and

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 illustrating ance with the present invention the plastic head is molded directly on the end. of the tube or b arrel, thereby avoiding the use of fastening devices liable to become loosened or broken. As one means for securing the head in place on the tubular barrel the end of the tube is flared out'- wardly or expanded to form, in effect, a irustoconical'ilange which is embedded in the-plastic material to permanently join the barrel and head in a unitary structure. Holding rings for engagement with the clamping jaws in the loomshuttle' are molded in place surrounding the periphery of the plastic bobbin-head to prevent relative movement therebetween. The present invention also contemplates the provision of va method of molding the head on the end of the tube or barrel of the bobbin and embedding the holding rings in the material of 4the head. 4A

suitable apparatus may comprise, in general, a,

two-part mold vhaving a cavity shaped to conform to that of the plastic-head -to be produced and a plunger for injecting plastic material into the cavity. 'I'he tube or barrel and the holding -rlngs constitute `inserts which are supported in the moldin proper position to permit the plastic material to i'low therearound during the molding operation.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings,

one form of construction of the present improved bobbin is illustrated therein as comprising a liber or paper tube2having afrusto-conical ange 3 p flared outwardly at one end.' The tube 3 may be of any suitable shape and in the present form it is shown as tapered longitudinally with the conical ange 3 expanded outwardly at its butt end.

, The tube 2 mav beV .composed oi' paper or other` fibrous material such as molded or pressed pulp. For example. the tube 2 may be constructed by winding or wrapping a paper or fiber'sheet or sheets around a mandrel of suitable form with 'the superimposed layers cemented together by an adhesive. The conical flange 3 at the butt endof the tube 2 may be formed as the sheet material is wound on the mandrel or it may be produced after the tube has been completed by expending its end to conical shape. The outer and suitable thermo-setting plastic molded to the desired shape and dimensions directly on the butt end of the bobbin-tube 2. The head 5 may be molded in an apparatus such as that described' in detail hereinafter. but not claimed herein. and the butt end of the tube 2 mayconstitute an insert in the mold around which the plastic material is flowed to form the head and embed the conical ilange 3 in the material. The plastic is caused to ilow into the interior of the tube 2 to a slight extent to securely grip itsr anged end and provide a continuation of the bore of the tube, thus forming a smooth joint free from projections or shoulders. As shown in Fig. 5, the flange 3 of the tube 2 may be split or slitted longitudinally at several points therearound to provide openings 6 through which the plastic material will flow during the molding operation to further anchor the head 5 in place on the tube. The flange 3 may be split by the force of the expanding operation or in other cases the 'end of the tube may be slitted mechanically before expanding it. If desired, the flange 3 of the tube 2 may be perforated adjacent its end to provide a plurality of openings 1 as illustrated in Fig. 8 through which the plastic will ilow during the molding operation to securely attach the v head 5 to the tube.

Y Secured to the outer periphery of the head 5 l are circumferential holding rings 3 adapted to be engaged by the toothed clamping laws inthe shuttle to hole the bobbin m pace therein. such rings are usually of a split type and sprung into peripheral grooves in the head of the filling or weft bobbin by expanding them, whereafter they contract to grip the periphery of the grooves.

VWhile such a method of holding the rings in place on the bobbin has been very generally employed, it has been found that the rings some.

. times become loosened and displaced. It has also been the experience that when the rings are held in the grooves in this manner their openings or `jaws in the shuttle will4 not grop the bobbin split portions -become alined so that the clamping securely. To overcome this deilciencythe present improvement provides for. making the rings continuous and permanently embedding them in the plastic material of the head 5 of the bobbin.

plastic head 5 to resist any tendency of rotary and longitudinal movement thereon.

Fig. 6 illustrates a modified form of construction of the holding rings I0 as applied to the' head 5 of the bobbin. Three rings I0 usuallyv are employed and each ring III may be constructed from relatively thin sheet-metal stock rolled or spun into substantially semi-circular cross-section to provide an arcuate recess extending around its entire inner periphery.v During the molding process the plastic material will `flow into the recessed portions of the rings I0 while their inner edges will be embedded therein to -provide a reinforced unitary structure of maximum strength and durability.

If desired. the three sheet-metal rings may be formed as integral with a sleeve I2 as illustrated rings I3 to secure the sleeve I2 to the head. One` or both ends of the sleeve I2 may be extended inwardly as shown at I5 to adapt them to be embedded firmly in the plastic and their inner edges may be serrated or notched to further anchor the sleeve to the head 5.

Fig. 3 shows a bobbin of a common type comprising a tube or barrel I6 and a stepped conical base or head I1 at the butt end of the tube. 'I'his type ofbobbin is also used in loom-shuttles, being usually provided with a circumferential groove I8 in its head I1 for engagement with holding means in the shuttle. In accordance with the present invention the barrel I6 of the bobbin shown in Fig. 3 may be constructed from paper or iiber while its head I'I may be composed of thermosetting plastic molded on the tube. The butt end of the tube I6 is provided with a conical ilange 3 which is embedded in the plastic material of the headA to'form a unitary structure.

gether to provide a substantially integral struchire rigs. gana 1o mustra s surname rorm or apparatus for molding a plastic head. such as that illustrated in Figs. l and 2. on the barrelor tube of a bobbin. The mold for forming the head 5 is designated generally by the lreference character` 25 and comprises a relatively thick plate having a vertical bore or opening 26 in its top. Below the opening 25 and communicating therewith is an enlarged cylindrical cavity 28corresponding in Y shape and dimensions to those of the head to be produced. Formed in the cylindrical wall of the cavity 28 are semi-circular recesses 30 for receiving the holding rings 8 which may be placed therein in a manner to be explained later.v Below the cavity 28 and arranged rin axial alinement therewith is a tapered bores3l for receiving the tapered tube or barrel 2 of the bobbin. I'he mold 2 8 is parted vertically in a plane common to the axis of the cavity 28, as indicated by the dotted line 32,

whereby to permit the holding rings 8 to be inserted into the recesses 30 in the side of the cavity.

usual construction, openings or ducts 31 are provided in the platen 35 for the introduction of steam or other heating media for heating the mold 25 to set or cure the plastic material. Connected to and movable with the platen 25 is an abutmentplate 38 provided with a conical recess l39 in its upper surface arranged in axial alinement with the cavity 28 of the mold 25. It will be observed that the above-described construction of the mold provides that the upper flanged end 3 of the bob--y bin-tube 2 may be positioned in the cavity 28 with its major portion extending'downwardly through the openings 3| and '38.

In order'to support the tube 2in accurate concentric alinement with the cavity 28,`a spindlelike mandrel 48 is provided for insertion through the tube. I'he mandrel 40 is tapered to adapt it tov ilt snugly withln` the bore of the tube 2 and its lower end is rounded for engagement in the conical recess 38 in the upper face of the abutment-plate 38. The upper end of the mandrel 40 projects alfove the cavity 28 in the opening 28 of the mold 25 and this end is chamiered or beveled.

. as indicated at 42. lto adapt it to enter the bore 44 of a plunger 45 carried by a stationary platen or top-plate 48 of the molding press.` As herein shown, the plunger 45 is formed with a cylindrical plug 41 ilxedly mounted inthe top-plate 46 and areduced portion 48 projecting downwardly beyond the lower face of the plate and provided with the a'xial bore 44. Surrounding the axial lbore 44 at the lower end of the plunger 45 is a concaved lip' 48 which functions for a purpose later explained. The upper stationary 4top-plate 48 is also Provided with openings or ducts 58 for receiving a suitable heating medium for heating this part of the mold 25. One preferred form of molding apparatus having been described in detail, its method of operation is explained as rfollows:

To prepare the apparatus for a molding operaltion the platen 35 is lowered to a position vsomewhat below that shown in Fig. 8, With the` platen 35 in its lowermost position the two complementary parts of the mold 25 are moved laterally away from each other to expose the opposite complemental-y larves or the morning. may n. with the halves of the mold 2l in this open relationship the holding rings 8 may be inserted in the recesses 38 of one o! its parts and the two parts then brought together to cause the rings to seat in the alined grooves of the opposite half of the cavity.

The two parts of the mold are then clamped together in a unitary structure which is fastened to the top of the platen 35. The mandrel 40 is next skewered through the bore of a tube 2 and l inserted therewith into the opening 28,. cavity 28 .and tapered bore 3| of the mold 25 and also through the-opening 38 in the platen 35 with its lower rounded end seated in the conical recess 38 in the abutment-plate 38. 'I'ne thermosetting plastic material may be in the form of a compressed tablet but preferably it is o f powdered form adapted to be poured into the opening 28 and cavity 28 surrounding the mandrel 40 in' the manner indicated by the shaded or stippled area in Fig. 9.

With the apparatus prepared in the manner as explained above the molding operation is practiced by raising the platen 35 and bottom-plate 38 toward the upper stationary top-plate 48. This may be accomplished by supplying uid under pressureto a ram or piston operating on the movable parts, but not herein shown. As the platen 35 and bottom-plate 38 are raised the mold 25 will approach the top-plate '45 to cause the plunger 45 to enter the opening. whereby to force or inject the powdered material down into the cavity 28. At the same time the upper. end of the mandrel 40 will be entered into .the bore 44 of the plunger 45 to positively aline the axis of the tube 2 with that of the cavity.

Due to the combined action of heat and pressure the powdered material will be plasticized and forced into the cavity 28 where it will be caused toilow around the end of the tube 2 and form of the cavity 28 whereby to mold the head 5` on the tube 2 with the flanged end thereof and the holding rings 8 firmly embedded therein to form a unitary structure.

as a core to form the axial bore in the end of the head 5 as a continuation of the bore of the tube 2. The concaved lip 48 surrounding the bore 44 of the plunger 48 has the effect to chamfer lor bevel the rim of the bore in the head, as indicated The apparatus may then be reloaded and another' bobbin formed in the manner as explained.

When bobbins of the type illustrated ln F18. 6 are to be manufactured, the hollow sheet-metal rings I8 `are manually inserted into the moldcavity 28 in the same manner as'the wireA rings 8 are applied thereto and the molding operation is identical with that previously explained. f

When producing bobbins of the type illustrated in Fig. '7 the sleeve I2 formed with the lobes or 'annuli I 3 is placed in the mold-cavity 28 as an insert and the molding operation practiced in the l Same m8211162.

The @my n or the' mola 2| im been described 'I'he end portion of the mandrel 40 extending beyond the flange 3 serves as of cylindrical form to produce bobbins having heads 5 of similar contour. However, it is obviously within the scope of the present invention to provide for producing bobbins of the type illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. When it is desired to mold plastic heads on the bobbins of the form shown in these latter views the cavity of the mold may be vshaped in accordance with the desired contour of the head and the molding practiced in substantially the same manner as before explained. While the heads I1 and 2| on the bobbins shown in Figs. 3 and f1 have no holding rings,

they are anchored to the flanged ends 3 of the' tubes 2 in the same manner as those of the examples rst described.

It will be observed from the foregoing specication that the present invention provides for producing bobbins of improved construction because of their relatively light weight, econorniral cost to manufacture, maximum resistance to chipping or marring and greater durability as compared to the wooden bobbins commonly used. It will be apparent also that the heads of the bobbins being constructed of thermosetting plastic molded directly on and firmly bonded to the brous tubes or barrels provide an extremely strong and permanent structure while providing a smooth finish on the exterior surface. By cmbedding the holding rings in the plastic material of the heads the rings are firmly secured thereto to prevent their displacement so that the bobbins invariably will be properly positioned in the loom- `shuttles with which they are used.

It will be observed still further that the present invention provides a method of producing the improved bobbins which may be practiced without requiring especial skill or expertness to insure accuracy and adapted for manufacturing the bobbins at a, high rate of production.

'longitudinal slits at its end through which the plastic material protrudes.

2. A bobbin of the type indicated comprising a tubular barrelhaving an expanded ange at one end and a head constructed of plastic material molded around the end of the barrel with the flange completely embedded in and surrounded on all sides by the plastic material.

3. A bobbin of the type indicated comprising a tubular barrel having a conical flange at. its end, and a. plastic head molded around the barrel with the conical flange completely embedded in and surrounded` on all sides l'by the plastic material to secure the head and barrel in fixed relationship.v

4. A bobbin of the type indicated comprising a tubular barrel having openings in its periphery adjacent one end, and a head of plastic material `molded around the end of the barrel with the plastic projecting into the openings to anchor the head in place on the barrel.

5. A bobbin of the type indicated comprising ar tubular barrel having an enlarged portion at one end, and a head of plastic materialmolded around the end of the barrel with the enlarged portion thereof embedded in and surrounded on all sides by the plastic material, said head extending beyond the end of the tube and provided with an axial bore in alinement with the axial bore of the tube. y

6. A bobbin of the type indicated comprising a tubular barrel, a head of plastic material molded around the end of the barrel, and a plurality of holding rings surrounding the head and partially embedded in the plastic material of the head toV secure them in place thereon.

'7. A bobbin of the type indicated comprising a tubular barrel, a head of plastic material molded around the end of the barrel, and a metal sleeve formed with a plurality of circumferential rings surrounding the head and partially embedded in the plastic material to secure the sleeve in place.

8. A method of producing bobbins consisting in taking a tube, expanding one end ofthe tube to form an enlargement thereon, and molding a plastic head of the desired shape around the end of the tube with the enlargement thereon completely embedded in and surrounded on all sides by the plastic material of the head.

9. A method of producing bobbins consisting in taking a tube having an enlargement at one end, taking a plurality of holding rings, and molding a head of plastic material around the end of the tube with the enlargement thereon completely embedded in the material of the head and the rings partially embedded in the material around the end of the tube with the enlargement thereon completely embedded in the plastic material and with said material iiowed into the hollow interior of the rings on the sleeve to secure the sleeve to the head. j y

11. A method of producing bobbins consisting in taking a tube lhaving an enlargement at one end, taking a plurality of holding rings, supporting the holding rings in concentric relation to the axis of the tube, and molding a head of plastic material around the end of the tube with the enlargement thereon completely embedded inthe material of the head and the rings partially embedded therein.

HARALD L. AMRHEIN.

EMIL E. FULLER. 

